About the position
The Service Planner I position at the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is a full-time role that operates under general supervision, focusing on a comprehensive data-driven approach to monitoring transit service levels. The primary goal is to identify opportunities for operating efficiencies and service improvements within the bus service. The Planner will be responsible for collecting, manipulating, and analyzing ridership and operations data to support CTA's decision-making processes. This role also requires consideration of external factors such as shifting demographics and development patterns, as well as evaluating major route changes for Title VI and Environmental Justice implications. In this position, the Planner will continually monitor and analyze service levels and ridership trends for bus service. They will support the development of new initiatives, including conducting route-level and system-wide studies of service levels, operations, and ridership trends, in alignment with the agency's strategic plans. Following guidance from management, the Planner will prepare transit market analyses, cost estimates, and recommendations for new service plans utilizing various tools such as GIS software, CTA databases, and Hastus scheduling software. Additionally, the Planner will prepare written reports, funding proposals, briefings, presentations, and maps, responding to inquiries regarding transit service, facilities, and equipment. The role involves compiling information, research, and graphics for various reports and studies, including quick-turnaround requests from senior staff. The Planner will also review reports and analyses from staff members and consultants engaged in research, analysis, and planning of facilities, equipment services, and transit infrastructure projects. They will administer contracted and grant-funded services, meet with Bus Operations staff to research service issues, and conduct fieldwork to gather information on various CTA facilities and operations. The position requires attending meetings and providing communication regarding projects, problems, or issues both internally and externally, while performing other duties as assigned.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and analyze service levels and ridership trends for bus service.
- Support the development of new initiatives, including route-level and system-wide studies.
- Prepare transit market analyses, cost estimates, and recommendations for new service plans using GIS software and other tools.
- Consider Title VI and Environmental Justice implications of proposed service changes.
- Prepare written reports, funding proposals, briefings, presentations, and maps regarding transit service.
- Compile information, research, and graphics for reports and studies, including quick-turnaround requests.
- Review reports and analyses from staff members and consultants.
- Administer contracted and grant-funded services.
- Meet with Bus Operations staff to research service issues and discuss solutions.
- Attend meetings and provide communication regarding projects and issues.
- Conduct fieldwork and research to gather information on CTA facilities and operations.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Public Policy, Urban Design, Transportation Planning, Geography, Engineering, Logistics or related discipline with academic instruction in transportation planning, operations, and/or public policy analysis.
- Master's Degree from the fields listed above preferred.
- Working knowledge of transit planning fundamentals, both economic and schedule related.
- General knowledge of CTA bus and rail system and service area.
- General knowledge of community and economic development principles.
- Research and data analysis skills.
- Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills.
- Basic skills using U.S. Census data to develop demographic profiles.
- Basic skills using GIS to conduct spatial analyses and develop maps.
- Good communication skills and ability to summarize and present data.
- Basic Adobe Illustrator skills.
- Basic skills with transit scheduling software (e.g. Hastus).
- Strong interest in improving public transit and urban mobility.
- Ability to exercise good judgment and work independently.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with transit planning software and tools.
- Familiarity with community engagement practices.
- Knowledge of local government policies and regulations.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401k retirement plan
- Paid holidays
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional development opportunities
- Flexible scheduling options
